Jian asked again, his voice tinged with curiosity and unease, "What is the name of this realm?"
"Ancient Sovereign Realm," the system replied.
"Why?"
"What do you mean, Host?"
"How?" Jian was stunned, struggling to process what he had just heard. Then it clicked. The name had sounded familiar because it was the same as his grandfather's sect. Still, the connection baffled him. His voice trembled as he asked, "Why is this realm named after my grandfather's sect?"
The system's voice was calm yet distant. "Host, in this realm, when a sect reaches a grade so high that no other power can surpass it, the name of the sect is bestowed upon the realm itself."
"But... my grandfather told me his sect was long gone—just history. Thousands of years have passed since its fall. How could the name still remain?"
[Ding! Insufficient Authority]
"Host, you do not have the authority to know more about this. The matter concerns the Heavenly Dao."
Jian sighed, frustration evident in his expression. "Fine," he muttered. "Then tell me what you can about this realm."
The system continued in its usual monotone. "The Ancient Sovereign Realm is divided into five continents. You are currently on the Southern Continent, and you have already heard of the Central Continent. In addition, there are the Northern, Eastern, and Western Continents. Beyond these, there are hidden islands and secret realms, but due to insufficient authority, further information cannot be provided.
"As I mentioned, the name of the most powerful sect determines the realm's name. Similarly, the names of the continents reflect their most powerful forces. I can explain the characteristics of each continent if you wish."
"Yes, continue," Jian urged.
The Five Continents
"Northern Continent: This region is dominated by Ice-type cultivators. Their cultivation techniques, while powerful, influence their hearts, making them emotionally detached.
"Eastern Continent: Second in size only to the Central Continent, this land is covered in dense forests and is home to countless beasts. It is also renowned for its Alchemists.
"Western Continent: A land of volcanoes, known for its body-refining cultivators and master weaponsmiths.
"Southern Continent: The weakest of all continents. This region has a high population of mortals compared to cultivators, and nearly half of its land is covered by forests.
"Central Continent: Also referred to as the 'Holy Continent.' As for why, that is something you must discover on your own."
Jian was silent, digesting the flood of information. After nearly ten minutes, he finally broke the silence.
"What are Alchemists and Weaponsmiths? I know the basics, but I need details."
The system explained patiently, "Host, as you know, cultivation in this world revolves around Sects. Resources like weapons, pills, and other items are essential for a Sect's growth.
"Alchemists specialize in refining pills, potions, and elixirs that enhance cultivation, heal injuries, or provide other benefits. Weaponsmiths, on the other hand, forge weapons and artifacts crucial for combat and defense. These professions are vital for the survival and dominance of any sect."
Jian nodded, absorbing the explanation. After a pause, he asked the one question that had been lingering in his mind.
"How is cultivation divided in this world?"
The system immediately provided an answer.
Cultivation Tiers
"Host, cultivation is achieved by practicing Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts Techniques. These techniques are graded as follows:
Mortal Grade: 1 to 3 stars Earth Grade: 4 to 6 stars Heaven Grade: 7 to 9 stars"Cultivation itself is divided into the following realms:
Body Tempering, Qi Sensing, Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Soul Formation, Void Integration, Void Tempering"Host, it is important to note that Body Tempering and Qi Sensing are considered preparatory stages. True cultivation begins from the Qi Condensation realm. Each realm is further divided into nine minor stages.
"Additionally, cultivation plays a role in upgrading sect tokens. You will learn more about this after completing your current mission."
Jian's thoughts spiraled as he processed the vastness of the world around him. Each piece of information only served to remind him how small and insignificant he currently was. Without the system, he realized, his chances of survival would be slim.
His musings were interrupted by the system's voice.
"Host, one hour has passed. The meat is ready."
Jian couldn't hide his excitement. Finally, he would be able to complete the mission and take his first step on the path of cultivation. Moving towards the fire, he gazed at the glistening, slightly charred meat. Smoke wafted upwards, carrying the scent of roasted flesh. Without hesitation, he extinguished the fire with soil and called out to the system.
"System, open the mission."
[Ding!]
Mission: As the bearer of the Sect System, how can the host be talentless?
Description: The host must consume enough food to restore their body to a healthy state, allowing latent talent to manifest.
Progress: 0/10,000 Calories.
Time Limit: 4/5 Days
Reward: Top Cultivation Talent
(Until the mission is completed, no new missions will be available.)
Jian sighed in relief. Finally, the end was in sight. He picked up a piece of the steaming meat and took a cautious bite. The hot juices spilled over his tongue as he chewed and swallowed. Curious, he glanced at the mission progress.
[2,000/10,000 Calories]
His eyes widened in shock. "System, what's going on? How can one bite provide so many calories?"
"Host, you are consuming the meat of a Poison Fang Boar, a peak 1-star beast just one step away from becoming a 2-star beast. Since it hasn't formed a demonic core yet, its spiritual energy is distributed throughout its body. That's why the meat is so nutrient-rich. If the host had brought its heart, just one bite would've fulfilled the entire mission."
"You could've mentioned this earlier!" Jian shouted, glaring at the screen.
"Host didn't ask."
Annoyed but resigned, Jian began arguing with the system. Despite his frustration, he kept eating.
[3,500/10,000 Calories]
[4,500/10,000 Calories]
"Why is the progress increasing so much with every bite?" Jian asked while gnawing on another piece of meat.
"Host, the system recommends consuming beyond the required amount for optimal results."
"Fine," Jian muttered, picking up another chunk of meat.
[5,000/10,000 Calories]
[9,500/10,000 Calories]
[10,000/10,000 Calories]
Jian paused for a moment, but the meat was too tempting to stop. He continued eating until the system chimed in again.
[12,000/10,000 Calories]
[Ding! Mission Completed.]
Mission: As the bearer of the Sect System, how can the host be talentless?
Progress: 12,000/10,000 Calories
Reward: Top Cultivation Talent
Time Remaining: 12 Hours
"System, can I accept the reward now?" Jian asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
[Ding! The reward is being generated.]
[Ding! Detected that the host possesses a bloodline.]
[Processing...]
Bloodline: ???
Grade: ???
"System, what's this about a bloodline?" Jian's voice was filled with confusion. "Why is it dormant? And instead of awakening it, why do you want to devour it?"
"Host, the bloodline is sealed. Attempting to awaken it would trigger a backlash. At the current system level, there is no way to safely remove the seal. Devouring the bloodline will dissolve the seal entirely, and the reward for the completed mission will also be enhanced."
Jian's mind raced as he considered the implications. A sealed bloodline? What could it mean? "If you devour the bloodline, what happens to me? Will I lose something important?"
"Host, devouring the bloodline will remove the restrictions placed on it and allow you to unlock greater potential. The system assures the host that this process is beneficial."
Hearing this, Jian took a deep breath. "Fine. Do it."
"Does the host wish to proceed?"
"Yes! Just get it over with!" Jian shouted, his resolve firm.
[Ding! Devouring process initiated. Host will lose consciousness...]
"Wait, what?" Jian exclaimed, but it was too late. Darkness enveloped him as the system's process began.
"Damn you, system," Jian muttered before losing all awareness.